Enhancement of vascular function by modulation of endogenous nitric oxide production or activity

ABSTRACT

Vascular function and structure is maintained or improved by long term administration of physiologically acceptable compounds which enhance the level of endogenous nitric oxide or other intermediates in the NO induced relaxation pathway in the host. Alternatively, or in combination, other compounds may be administered which provide for short term enhancement of nitric oxide, either directly or by physiological processes.

INTRODUCTION

[0001] This invention was supported in part by the United StatesGovernment under Grant 1KO7HCO2660 (NHLBI). The U.S. Government may havean interest in this application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The field of this invention is the modulation of NO activity,which finds application in maintaining and improving vascular functionand thereby preventing or improving vascular degenerative diseases.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Atherosclerosis and vascular thrombosis are a major cause ofmorbidity and mortality, leading to coronary artery disease, myocardialinfarction, and stroke. Atherosclerosis begins with an alteration in theendothelium, which lines the blood vessels. The endothelial alterationresults in adherence of monocytes, which penetrate the endoltheliallining and take up residence in the subintimal space between theendothelium and the vascular smooth muscle of the blood vessels. Themonocytes absorb increasing amounts of cholesterol (largely in the formof oxidized or modified low-density lipoprotein) to form foam cells.Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol alters theendothelium, and the underlying foam cells distort and eventually mayeven rupture through the endothelium.

[0004] Platelets adhere to the area of endothelial disruption andrelease a number of growth factors, including platelet derived growthfactor (PDGF). PDGF, which is also released by foam cells and alteredendothelial cells, stimulates migration and proliferation of vascularsmooth muscle cells into the lesion. These smooth muscle cells releaseextracellular matrix (collagen and elastin) and the lesion continues toexpand. Macrophages in the lesion elaborate proteases, and the resultingcell damage creates a necrotic core filled with cellular debris andlipid. The lesion is then referred to as a “complex lesion.” Rupture ofthis lesion can lead to thrombosis and occlusion of the blood vessel. Inthe case of a coronary artery, rupture of a complex lesion mayprecipitate a myocardial infarction, whereas in the case of a carotidartery, stroke may ensue.

[0005] One of the treatments that cardiologists and otherinterventionalists employ to reopen a blood vessel which is narrowed byplaque is balloon angioplasty (approximately 300,000 coronary and100,000 peripheral angioplasties are performed annually). Althoughballoon angioplasty is successful in a high percentage of the cases inopening the vessel, it unfortunately denudes the endothelium and injuresthe vessel in the process. This damage causes the migration andproliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells of the blood vessel intothe area of injury to form a lesion, known as myointimal hyperplasia orrestenosis. This new lesion leads to a recurrence of symptoms withinthree to six months after the angioplasty in a significant proportion ofpatients (30-40%).

[0006] In atherosclerosis, thrombosis and restenosis there is also aloss of normal vascular function, such that vessels tend to constrict,rather than dilate. The excessive vasoconstriction of the vessel causesfurther narrowing of the vessel lumen, limiting blood flow. This cancause symptoms such as angina (if a heart artery is involved), ortransient cerebral ischemia (i.e. a “small stroke”, if a brain vessel isinvolved). This abnormal vascular function (excessive vasoconstrictionor inadequate vasodilation) occurs in other disease states as well.Hypertension (high blood pressure) is caused by excessivevasoconstriction, as well as thickening, of the vessel wall,particularly in the smaller vessels of the circulation. This process mayaffect the lung vessels as well causing pulmonary (lung) hypertension.Other disorders known to be associated with excessive vasoconstriction,or inadequate vasodilation include transplant atherosclerosis,congestive heart failure, toxemia of pregnancy, Raynaud's phenomenon,Prinzmetal's angina (coronary vasospasm), cerebral vasospasm,hemolytic-uremia and impotence.

[0007] Because of their great prevalence and serious consequences, it iscritically important to find therapies which can diminish the incidenceof atherosclerosis, vascular thrombosis, restenosis, and these otherdisorders characterized by abnormality of vascular function andstructure. Ideally, such therapies would inhibit the pathologicalvascular processes associated with these disorders, thereby providingprophylaxis, retarding the progression of the degenerative process, andrestoring normal vasodilation.

[0008] As briefly summarized above, these pathological processes areextremely complex, involving a variety of different cells which undergochanges in their character, composition, and activity, as well as in thenature of the factors which they secrete and the receptors that are up-or down-regulated. A substance released by the endothelium, “endotheliumderived relaxing factor” (EDRF), may play an important role ininhibiting these pathologic processes. EDRF is now known to be nitricoxide (NO) or a labile nitroso compound which liberates NO. (Forpurposes of the subject invention, unless otherwise indicated, nitricoxide (NO) shall intend nitric oxide or the labile nitroso compoundwhich liberates NO.) This substance relaxes vascular smooth muscle,inhibits platelet aggregation, inhibits mitogenesis and proliferation ofcultured vascular smooth muscle, and leukocyte adherence. Because NO isthe most potent endogenous vasodilator, and because it is largelyresponsible for exercise-induced vasodilation in the conduit arteries,enhancement of NO synthesis could also improve exercise capacity innormal individuals and those with vascular disease. NO may have othereffects, either direct or indirect, on the various cells associated withvascular walls and degenerative diseases of the vessel.

[0009] Relevant Literature

[0010] Girerd et al. (1990) Circulation Research 67:1301-1308 reportthat intravenous administration of L-arginine potentiatesendothelium-dependent relaxation in the hind limb of cholesterol-fedrabbits. The authors conclude that synthesis of EDRF can be increased byL-arginine in hypercholesterolemia. Rossitch et al. (1991) J. Clin.Invst. 87:1295-1299 report that in vitro administration of L-arginine tobasilar arteries of hypercholesterolemic rabbits reverses the impairmentof endothelium-dependent vasodilation, and reduces vasoconstriction.They conclude that the abnormal vascular responses inhypercholesterolemic animals is due to a reversible reduction inintracellular arginine availability for metabolism to nitric oxide.

[0011] Creager et al. (1992) J. Clin. Invest. 90:1248-1253, report thatintravenous administration of L-arginine improves endothelium-derivedNO-dependent vasodilation in hypercholesterolemic patients.

[0012] Cooke et al., “Endothelial Dysfunction in Hypercholesterolemia isCorrected by L-arginine,” Endothelial Mechanisms of Vasomotor Control,eds. Drexler, Zeiher, Bassenge, and Just; Steinkopff Verlag Darmstadt,1991, pp. 173-181, review the results of the earlier references andsuggest, “If the result of these investigations may be extrapolated,exogenous administration of L-arginine (i.e., in the form of dietarysupplements) might represent a therapeutic adjunct in the treatmentand/or prevention of atherosclerosis”.

[0013] Cooke (1990) Current Opinion in Cardiology 5:637-644 discussesthe role of the endothelium in the atherosclerosis and restenosis, andthe effect that these disorders have on endothelial function.

[0014] Cooke (1992) J. Clin. Invest. 90:1168-1172, describe the effectof chronic administration of oral L-arginine in hypercholesterolemicanimals on atherosclerosis. This is the first demonstration that oralL-arginine supplements can improve the release of NO from the vesselwall. The increase in NO release from the vessel wall was associatedwith a striking reduction in atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemicanimals. This is the first evidence to support the hypothesis thatincreasing NO production by the vessel wall inhibits the development ofatherosclerosis.

[0015] Cooke and Tsao (1992) Current Opinion in Cardiology 7:799-804describe the mechanism of the progression of atherosclerosis and suggestthat inhibition of nitric oxide may disturb vascular homeostasis andcontribute to atherogenesis.

[0016] Cooke and Santosa (1993) In: Steroid Hormones and DysfunctionalBleeding, AAAS Press, review the activities of EDRF in a variety ofroles and suggest that reversibility of endothelial dysfunction may beaffected by the stage of atherosclerosis. They conclude that EDRF is apotent vasodilator, plays a key role in modulating conduit andresistance vessel tone, has important effects on cell growth andinteractions of circulatory blood cells with a vessel wall, and thatdisturbances of EDRF activity may initiate or contribute to septicshock, hypertension, vasospasm, toxemia and atherosclerosis.

[0017] Fitzpatrick et al., American Journal of Physiology 265 (HeartCirc. Physiol. 34):H774-H778, 1993 report that wine and other grapeproducts may have endothelium-dependent vasorelaxing activity in vitro.

[0018] Wang et al. (1994) J. Am. Cell. Cardiol. 23:452-458, report thatoral administration of arginine prevents atherosclerosis in the coronaryarteries of hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

[0019] Drexler et al. (1994) Circulation 89:1615-1623 describe theeffect of intravenous arginine upon coronary vascular tone. This was thefirst evidence that intravenous arginine could restore normalNO-dependent vasodilation in the coronary arteries of patients withcardiac transplants, Tsao et al. (1994) Circulation 89:2176-2182demonstrates that oral administration of arginine tohypercholesterolemic rabbits enhances the release of nitric oxide by thevessel wall, and inhibits monocytes from sticking to the vessel.

[0020] Tsao et al. (1994) J. Arterioscl. Thromb. 14:1529-1533 revealsthat oral arginine administration to hypercholesterolemic rabbitsinhibits platelet aggregation (blood clotting). Platelet aggregationplays an important role in causing vascular thrombosis in vasculardegenerative disorders.

[0021] Von de Leyen et al. (1995) PNAS USA, show that the gene encodingnitric oxide synthase (the enzyme that produces NO) can be inserted intothe carotid artery of the rat. This causes the rat carotid artery tomake more NO, and thereby enhances vasodilation and inhibits thickeningof the vessel wall after balloon angioplasty.

[0022] Noruse et al. (1994) Arterioscler. Thromb. 14:746-752, reportthat oral administration of an antagonist of NO production acceleratesatherogenesis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

[0023] Cayette et al. (1994) Arterioscler. Thromb. 14:753-759, alsoreport that oral administration of an antagonist of NO productionaccelerates plaque development in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

[0024] Other references which refer to activities attributed to NO orits precursor include: Pohl and Busse (1989) Circ. Res. 65:1798-1803;Radomski et al. (1987) Br. J. Pharmacol. 92:181-187; Stamler et al.(1989) Circ. Res. 65:789-795; anti-platelet activity); Garg and Hassid(1989) J. Clin. Invest. 83:1774-1777; Weidinger et al. (1990)Circulation 81:1667-1679; NO activity in relation to vascular smoothmuscle growth); Ross (1986) N. Engl. J. Med. 314:488-500; Bath et al.(1991) Arterioscler. Thromb. 11:254-260; Kubes et al. (1991) Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci. USA 89:6348-6352; Lefer et al. (1990) In: Endothelium-DerivedContracting Factors. Basel, S. Karger, pp.190-197; NO activity inrelation to leukocyte adhesion and migration); Heistad et al. (1984)Circ. Res. 43:711-718; Rossitch et al. (1991) J. Clin. Invest.87:1295-1299; Yamamoto et al. (1988) ibid 81:1752-1758; Andrews et al.(1987) Nature 327:237-239; Tomita et al. (1990) Circ. Res. 66:18-27;Kugiyama et al. (1990) Nature 344:160-162; Mitchell et al. (1992) J.Vasc. Res. 29:169 (abst.); Minor et al. (1990) J. Clin. Invest.86:2109-2116; NO activity in relation to hypercholesterolemia); Tanneret al. (1991) Circulation 83:2012-2020; Kuo et al. (1992) Circ. Res.70:f465-476; Drexler et al. (1991) Lancet 338:1546-1550; Schuschke etal. (1994) Int. J. of Microcircu: Clin. and Exper. 14(4):204-211; Yao etal. (1992) Circulation 86:1302-1309; Higashi et al. (1995) Hypertension25(4 Pt 2):898-902; Kharitonov et al. (1995) Clin. Sci. 88(2):135-139;Smulders et al. (1994) Clin. Sci. 87(1):37-43; Bode-boger et al. (1994)Clin. Sci. 87(3):303-310; Bode-Boger et al. (1994) Clin. Sci.; Randallet al. (1994) Clin. Sci. 87(1):53-59; Dubois-Rande et al. (1992) J.Card. Pharm. 20 Suppl. 12:S211-3; Otsuji et al. (1995) Am. Heart J.129(6): 1094-1100; Nakanishi et al. (1992) Am. J. of Physio. 263(6 Pt2):H1650-8; Kuo et al. (1992) Circ. Research 70(3): 465-476; Tanner etal. (1991) Circulation 83(6):2012-2020; Meng et al. (1995) J. Am. Col.Card. 25(1):269-275; Lefer and Ma (1993) Arterioscl. and Thromb.13(6):771-776; McNamara et al. (1993) Biochem. and Biophys. Res. Comm.193(1):291-296; Tarry and Makhoul (1994) Arter. and Thromb.14(6):983-943; Davies et al. (1994) Surgery 116(3):557-568; and Raij(1994) Kidney Institute 45:775-781.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Methods are provided for improving vascular function andstructure, particularly modulating vascular relaxation, cellularadhesion, infiltration and proliferation by modulating the level ofnitric oxide or active precursor at a physiological site. The methodsfind use in preventing the degradation of vascular function,particularly as involved with the occurrence of atherosclerosis,restenosis, thrombosis, hypertension, impotence, and other disorderscharacterized by reduced or inadequate vasodilation. The enhancement ofendogenous nitric oxide or secondary messenger availability at aphysiological site improves vascular relaxation and thereby relievessymptoms due to inadequate blood flow (such as angina) and cancounteract inappropriate elevation of blood pressure. The enhancement ofendogenous nitric oxide also inhibits initiation and the progression ofatherosclerosis, restenosis, vascular hypertrophy or hyperplasia andthrombosis. This is due to the fact that nitric oxide is not only apotent modulator, but can also inhibit platelets and white blood cellsfrom adhering to the vessel wall. As a prophylaxis or treatment forvascular function deterioration, particularly in atheroscleroticsusceptible hosts, the agent is chronically administered at an effectivedosage. For restenosis, the agent may be administered for a limitedperiod since this pathological process generally abates 3-6 months afterthe vascular injury (i.e. angioplasty or atherectomy). Oraladministration of L-arginine, precursors to L-arginine, e.g.oligopeptides or polypeptides comprising L-arginine, or proteinscomprising high levels of L-arginine, by itself or in combination withL-lysine, particularly further supplemented with GRAS substances whichenhance the effectiveness of the active agents, as a dietary supplementwill increase NO elaboration and thereby diminish the effects ofatherogenesis. Other techniques to enhance NO or secondary messengeravailability may be utilized such as increasing the availability of NOsynthase, for example, as a result of enhanced expression of NO synthasein the vessel wall, particularly at the lesion site, release of NO fromthe vessel wall or reduction of degradation of NO or the secondarymessenger, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (“cGMP”).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026]FIG. 1 is a bar diagram of histomorphometric studies of the effectof L-arginine on atherosclerotic plaque in hypercholesterolemic animals.(See Ex. 1)

[0027]FIG. 2 is a nephelometric scan of the effect of L-arginine dietsupplement on platelet reactivity as evidenced by platelet aggregationinitiated by adenosine diphosphate. (See Ex. 2) A) aggregation ofplatelets from hypercholesterolemic rabbit; B) reduced aggregation ofplatelets from hypercholesterolemic rabbit treated with L-arginine; C)antagonism of NO synthase by LNMMA reverses the beneficial effect ofL-arginine.

[0028]FIG. 3 is a bar diagram comparing the effect of L-arginine dietsupplement on cell binding to aortic endothelium of hypercholesterolemicanimals. (See Ex. 4)

[0029]FIG. 4. Lesion surface area of thoracic aortae from all argininetreated hypercholesterolemic animals (ARG, weeks 14-23) is reduced incomparison to that of hypercholesterolemic animals receiving vehicle(CHOL, weeks 14-23). (See Ex. 5)

[0030]FIG. 5. Macrophage accumulation in iliac arteries 4 weeksfollowing balloon injury. (Macrophage infiltration into the vessel wallinitiates and accelerates plaque formation). Data is expressed as apercent of the vessel that contain macrophages. Balloon injury inhypercholesterolemic rabbits (CHOL) results in a marked increase inarterial macrophage accumulation compared with injured iliac arteriesfrom rabbits on normal chow (CONT). Macrophage accumulation in iliacarteries from hypercholesterolemic rabbits receiving L-arginine (ARG) issignificantly reduced compared to the CHOL group. (*; p<0.01, ARG v.CHOL). This study revealed that oral arginine treatment markedly reducedthe infiltration of monocytes/macrophages into the vessel wall,explaining in part the effect of arginine to inhibit plaque formation.(See Ex. 6)

[0031]FIG. 6. Stimulation of cultured endothelial cells with fluid flowcauses them to secrete nitric oxide. Flow-induced secretion of nitricoxide decreases endothelial adhesiveness induced by oxidized LDLcholesterol (oxLDL; 30 μg/ml). Exposure of human aortic endothelialcells to oxLDL increased the ex vivo binding of monocytes when comparedto Control. In comparison to cells not exposed to flow (static),previous exposure to flow inhibited the monocyte adhesion induced byoxLDL. These effects of flow were blocked by NO synthase inhibitors andmimicked by NO donors (PAPA-NO) or cyclic GMP (cGMP). Bars representmean±SEM. *p<0.05; **p<0.01. (See Ex. 8)

[0032]FIG. 7 is a bar diagram of morphometric measurements of intimallesion thickening two weeks after a balloon angioplasty in animalstreated with a plasmid construct containing the gene for NO synthase(INJ+NOS) in comparison to control vector (INJ+CV) or untreated injuredvessels (INJ). (See Ex. 11)

[0033]FIG. 8 is a histogram showing the effect of local intraluminaladministration of arginine on restenosis. Hypercholesterolemic rabbitshad balloon angioplasty of the iliac artery. Immediately thereafter someanimals received an infusion of arginine directly into the vessel bymeans of a catheter designed to apply high local concentrations ofarginine to the vessel. Two to four weeks later, vessels were removedfrom the animals, and examined microscopically. Thickening of the vesselwall (internal thickening or “restenosis”) was reduced in the animalstreated with intraluminal infusion of arginine (ARG) in comparison tothose treated with vehicle. (See Ex. 12)

[0034]FIG. 9 is a set of dose-response curves showing the effect ofchronic lysine administration on endothelium dependent vasodilation inhypercholesterolemic rabbits. Chronic oral administration of lysine (forten weeks) improved NO-mediated vasodilation; this improvement in NOactivity was also associated with a marked reduction in plaque area.Chronic administration of lysine was just as effective as arginine inrestoring vascular function and structure. (See Ex. 14)

[0035]FIG. 10 is a scatter-diagram illustrating the relationship betweenthe level of blood LDL-cholesterol and monocyte binding. Monocytes wereisolated from the blood of humans with normal or elevated cholesterollevels. The binding of these monocytes to endothelial cells in culturewas observed. Monocytes from individuals with high cholesterol levelshave a greater adhesiveness for endothelial cells. Thismonocyte-endothelial cell interaction in vivo is the first step in thedevelopment of atherosclerotic plaque. (See Ex. 15)

[0036]FIG. 11 is a bar diagram showing the adhesiveness of monocytesobtained from subjects with normal cholesterol levels (CONT) and thosefrom hypercholesterolemic (HC) humans, before, during, and aftertreatment with arginine (the NO precursor). Prior to initiating arginine(Arg) or placebo (plac) treatment, monocytes from hypercholesterolemicindividuals have a greater tendency to bind to endothelial cells ex vivo(baseline). After 2 weeks of arginine treatment monocytes from thesehypercholesterolemic individuals have a significantly reducedadhesiveness and are no different from those of the normal subjects. Atthis point arginine therapy was discontinued and there was a washout (4weeks). At this time point, monocytes from the patients previouslytreated with arginine now have increased adhesiveness, off of thearginine treatment. (See Ex. 15)

[0037]FIG. 12 is a bar diagram which shows that monocytes fromindividuals with elevated cholesterol (CHOL) have greater adhesivenessfor endothelial cells. However, after treatment with sodiumnitroprusside (CHOL+SNP), the adhesiveness of these monocytes isnormalized. SNP is an NO donor. (See Ex. 15)

[0038]FIG. 13 is a set of histograms showing aggregation of plateletsobtained in hypercholesterolemic humans (hc), and individuals withnormal cholesterol levels (nc). Platelet aggregation ex vivo in responseto adenosine diphosphate (ADP) is increased in hc individuals incomparison to normal individuals. After 2 weeks of treatment with oralL-arginine, platelet aggregation is attenuated in thehypercholesterolemic individuals, while an even greater effect of thetreatment is seen at four weeks. (See Ex. 16)

[0039]FIG. 14 is a bar graph showing increases in coronary blood flow inresponse to intracoronary infusions of acetylcholine (ACH) before andafter intravenous infusion of L-arginine (30 g), in patients withtransplant atherosclerosis. Acetylcholine stimulates the release of NOfrom the vessel wall causing vasodilation and increased blood flow.There is improved NO-dependent vasodilation after L-arginineadministration. (See Ex. 18)

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0040] In accordance with the subject invention, vascular function ismaintained or its deterioration inhibited or retarded by enhancing thelevel or activity of endogenous nitric oxide. By enhancing the level oractivity of endogenous nitric oxide, common vascular degenerativediseases such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, hypertension, vasospasm,impotence, angina, and vascular thrombosis, can be treatedprophylactically and/or therapeutically. The enhanced level or activityof nitric oxide (which is intended to include any precursor of nitricoxide which results in such enhanced level) can be achieved bymodulating the activity, synthesis or concentration of any of thecomponents associated with the formation of nitric oxide in the nitricoxide synthetic pathway, or inhibiting the rate of degradation of nitricoxide, its precursors, or the secondary messengers associated with therelaxation signal. In referring to the enhanced level or activity, theterm “effect” will be used to encompass the two situations. The enhancedeffect of nitric oxide may be a result of oral or intravenousadministration to the patient of a precursor in the metabolic pathway tothe production of nitric oxide (such as L-arginine, L-lysine,polypeptides comprising these amino acids, and the like), providing anenzyme in the metabolic pathway to NO, particularly NO synthase, byintroduction of the gene for NO synthase under conditions forintegration of the gene into the endothelial or other cells andexpression of the gene, or by directly adding an enzyme associated withthe production of nitric oxide. The enhanced level of nitric oxide mayalso result from administration of an agent to protect the NO fromdegradation, such as an oxidant, reductant or superoxide dismutase.Alternatively, the agent may serve to enhance the bioavailability oreffectiveness of the primary active agent, such as L-arginine orL-lysine. The agent, individually or in combination, will beadministered in a form of other than a natural food source, such as meator plants as natural protein sources, fruits or products derivedtherefrom.

[0041] One approach is to employ L-arginine and/or L-lysine, asindividual amino acids, in combination, or as a precursor to L-arginine,e. g. a monomer or a polypeptide, as a dietary supplement. The aminoacid(s) are administered as any physiologically acceptable salt, such asthe hydrochloride salt, glutamate salt, etc. They can also beadministered as a peptide (e.g., poly-L-arginine, poly-L-lysine, orcombinations thereof) so as to increase plasma levels of the NOprecursor. Oligopeptides of particular interest include oligopeptides offrom 2 to 30, usually 2 to 20, preferably 2 to 10 amino acids, having atleast 50 mol % of L-arginine and/or L-lysine, preferably at least about75 mol % of L-arginine and/or L-lysine, more preferably having at leastabout 75 mol % of L-arginine and/or L-lysine. The oligopeptides can bemodified by being ligated to other compounds, which can enhanceabsorption from the gut, provide for enhancement of NO synthesis orstability, e.g. reducing agents and antioxidants, and the like.

[0042] Naturally occurring sources include protamine or other naturallyoccurring L-arginine or -lysine containing protein, which is high in oneor both of the indicated amino acids, e.g. greater than about 40%,preferably greater than about 50%.

[0043] The administration of L-arginine, other convenient NO precursor,or other agent which enhances NO availability, would be in accordancewith a predetermined regimen, which would be at least once weekly andover an extended period of time, generally at least one month, moreusually at least three months, and as a chronic treatment, could lastfor one year or more, including the life of the host. The dosageadministered will depend upon the frequency of the administration, theblood level desired, other concurrent therapeutic treatments, theseverity of the condition, whether the treatment is for prophylaxis ortherapy, the age of the patient, the natural level of NO in the patient,and the like. Desirably, the amount of L-arginine and/or L-lysine (Rand/or K) or biologically equivalent compound which is used wouldgenerally provide a plasma level in the range of about 0.15 to 30 mM.The oral administration of R and/or K can be achieved by providing Rand/or K, other NO precursor, or NO enhancing agent as a pill, powder,capsule, liquid solution or dispersion, particularly aqueous, or thelike. Various carriers and excipients may find use in formulating the NOprecursor, such as lactose, terra alba, sucrose, gelatin, aqueous media,physiologically acceptable oils, e.g. peanut oil, and the like. Usually,if daily, the administration of L-arginine and/or L-lysine for a humanhost will be about 1 to 12 g per day.

[0044] Furthermore, other agents can be added to the oral formulation ofthe amino acids or polypeptides to enhance their absorption, and/or toenhance the activity of NO synthase, e.g. B₆ (50-250 mg/d), folate(0.4-10 mg per daily dose), B₁₂ (0.5-1 mg/d) or calcium (250-1000 mg perdaily dose). Furthermore, agents known to protect NO from degradation,such as antioxidants (e.g. cysteine or N-acetyl cysteine 200-1000 mg/dVitamin C (250-2000 mg daily dose), (coenzyme Q 25-90 mg daily dose,glutathione 50-250 mg daily dose), Vitamin E (200-1000 I.U. daily dose),or β-carotene (10-25,000 I.U. daily dose) or other naturally occurringplant antioxidants such as tocopherols, phenolic compounds, thiols, andubiquinones can be added to the oral or intravenous formulations of Rand/or K, or R and/or K-containing peptides. Alternatively, one mayinclude the active agent in a nutritional supplement, where otheradditives may include vitamins, amino acids, or the like, where thesubject active agent will be at least 10 weight %, more usually at leastabout 25 weight % of the active ingredients.

[0045] The administration of R and/or K or its physiologic equivalent insupporting NO can be administered prophylactically to improve vascularfunction, serving to enhance vasodilation and to inhibit atherogenesisor restenosis, or therapeutically after atherogenesis has beeninitiated. Thus, for example, a patient who is to undergo balloonangioplasty can have a regimen of R and/or K administered substantiallyprior to the balloon angioplasty, preferably at least about a week orsubstantially longer. Alternatively, in a patient, the administration ofR and/or K can begin at any time. Conveniently, the amino acidcomposition can be administered by incorporating the appropriate dose ina prepared food. Types of foods include gelatins, ice creams, cereals,candies, sugar substitutes, soft drinks, and the like. Of particularinterest is the incorporation of R and/or K as a supplement in a food,such as a health bar, e.g. granola, other grains, fruit bars, such as adate bar, fig bar, apricot bar, or the like. The amount of R and/or K orthe equivalent would be about 1-25 g per dosage or bar, preferably about2-15 g.

[0046] Instead of oral administration, intravascular administration canalso be employed, particularly where more rapid enhancement of thenitric oxide level in the vascular system is desired (i.e. as with acutethrombosis of a critical vessel), so that combinations of oral andparenteral administrations can be employed in accordance with the needsof the patient. Furthermore, parenteral administration can allow for theadministration of compounds which would not readily be transportedacross the mucosa from the gastrointestinal tract into the vascularsystem.

[0047] Another approach is to administer the active ingredient of grapeskin extract, which is known to enhance NO activity. See Fitzpatrick etal. (1993), supra. The extract can be enriched for the active componentby employing separation techniques and assaying the activity of each ofthe fractions obtained. The grape skin extract can be divided intofractions using a first gel permeation separation to divide the extractby the size of the components. The active fraction(s) can be determinedby an appropriate assay, see the experimental section. The activefraction(s) can be further separated using HPLC and an appropriateeluent, conveniently either an isocratic eluent of aqueous acetonitrileor propanol or a linearly varying eluent, using the same solvents.Fractions which are shown to be active and substantially pure, e.g. atleast 80 weight %, by thin layer chromatography, mass spectrometry, gasphase chromatography, or the like can then be characterized usinginfra-red, nuclear magnetic resonance, mass or other spectroscopy.

[0048] For oral or intravascular administration, one can provide Rand/or K, by itself or in a polypeptide, or its physiological equivalentin supporting NO, together with antioxidants or scavengers ofoxygen-derived free radicals (such as sulfhydryl containing compounds)or compounds that prevent the production of oxygen-derived free radicals(such as superoxide dismutase), as it is known that oxygen-derived freeradicals (such as superoxide anion) can inactivate nitric oxide.Alternatively, or in addition, one can administer cofactors required forNO synthase activity, such as calcium or folate. The amounts of each ofthese co-agents can be determined empirically, using the assays in theexperimental section to determine NO activity.

[0049] The various cofactors that may be used with the NO precursorswill vary in amount in relation to the amount of NO precursor and theeffectiveness of the cofactor, particularly for oral administration.Generally, the cofactors may be present in amounts that would providedaily doses of folate (0.4-10 mg), B₆ (50-250 mg), B₁₂ (0.5-1 mg) and/orcalcium (250-1000 mg). Usually, where the amount of the NO precursor isgreater than about 2 g, it may be administered periodically during theday, being administered 2 to 4 times daily. For the most part, thecofactors will be GRAS substances and will be able to be taken at highdosages without adverse effects on the recipient host.

[0050] The subject compositions will be for the most part administeredorally and the dosage may take a variety of forms. The dosage may betablets, pill, capsules, powders, solutions, dispersions, bars, icecreams, gelatins, and the like, formulated with physiologicallyacceptable carriers, and optionally stabilizers, colorants, flavoringagents, excipients, tabletting additives, and the like. Depending uponthe mode of administration, the amount of active agent may be up toabout 25 g. For formulations as dietary supplements, individual dosageswill generally range from about 0.5 to 5 g, more usually from about 1 to3 g of the NO precursor.

[0051] Alternatively, one can enhance, either in conjunction with theenhancement of precursors to nitric oxides or independently, componentsof the nitric oxide metabolic pathway. For example, one can enhance theamount of nitric oxide synthase present in the vessel wall, particularlyat the site of lesions. This can be done by local administration to thelesion site or systemically into the vascular system. The synthase canbe administered using liposomes, slow release particles, or in the formof a depot, e.g. in collagen, hyaluronic acid, biocompatible gels,vascular stents, or other means, which will provide the desiredconcentration of the NO synthase at the lesion site.

[0052] Instead of providing for the enhancement of NO at thephysiological site of interest, one can choose to extend the lifetime ofthe signal transduced as a result of the presence of nitric oxide. SincecGMP is produced intracellularly as a result of a nitric oxide inducedsignal, employing agents which result in the production of or extendingthe lifetime of cGMP can be employed. Illustrative agents include cGMPphosphodiesterase inhibitors or agents which increase the amount ofguanylate cyclase.

[0053] Alternatively, cells can be genetically engineered to provide forconstitutive or inducible expression of one or more genes, which willprovide for the desired relaxation response, by expressing NO synthase,or other enzyme or protein which is secreted and acts extracellularly.Thus, expression vectors (viral or plasmid) can be prepared whichcontain the appropriate gene(s) and which can be introduced into hostcells which will then produce high concentrations of nitric oxide orother intermediate in the relaxation pathway. These cells can beintroduced at the lesion site or at another site in the host, where theexpression will induce the appropriate response as to relaxation,proliferation, etc. The NO synthase or cells expressing the NO synthasecan be present as depots by encapsulation and positioning at the site ofinterest. For example, porous stents can be produced which encapsulatethe enzyme or cells to protect the enzyme from degradation or beingwashed away.

[0054] Cultured cells can be transfected with expression vectorscontaining the NO synthase or other gene ex-vivo and then introducedinto the vessel wall, using various intra-arterial or intravenouscatheter delivery systems. Alternatively, techniques of in vivo genetransfer can be employed to transfect vascular cells within the intactvessel in vivo. The gene(s) can be expressed at high constitutive levelsor can be linked to an inducible promoter (which can have tissuespecificity) to allow for regulation of expression.

[0055] DNA constructs are prepared, where the appropriate gene, e.g. aNO synthase gene, is joined to an appropriate promoter, either with itsnative termination region or a different termination region, which canprovide for enhanced stability of the messenger RNA. Constitutivepromoters of particular interest will come from viruses, such as Simianvirus, papilloma virus, adenovirus, HIV, Rous sarcoma virus,cytomegalovirus or the like, where the promoters include promoters forearly or late genes, or long terminal repeats. Endogenous promoters caninclude the β-actin promoter, or cell-type specific promoters.

[0056] A construct is prepared in accordance with conventionaltechniques, the various DNA fragments being introduced into anappropriate plasmid or viral vector, normally a vector capable ofreplication in a bacterial and/or eucaryotic host. Normally, the vectorwill include a marker, which allows for selection of cells carrying thevector, e.g. antibiotic resistance. The vector will normally alsoinclude an origin which is functional in the host for replication. Otherfunctional elements can also be present in the vector.

[0057] Once the vector has been prepared and replicated, it can then beused for introduction into host cells. The plasmid vector construct canbe further modified by being joined to viral elements which allow forease of transfection, can provide a marker for selection, e.g.antibiotic resistance, or other functional elements. Introduction of theplasmid vector construct into the host cells can be achieved by calciumphosphate precipitated DNA, transfection, electroporation, fusion,lipofection, viral capsid-mediated transfer, or the like. Alternatively,the expression construct within viral vectors can be introduced bystandard infection techniques. For somatic cell gene therapy, autologouscells will generally be employed, although in some instances allogeneiccells or recombinantly modified cells can be employed. Usually the cellsemployed for genetic modification will be mature endothelial or vascularsmooth muscle cells. Occasionally, the cells employed for geneticmodification will be progenitor cells, particularly early progenitorcells. For example, myoblasts can be employed for muscle cells orhematopoietic stem cells or high proliferative potential cells can beemployed for lymphoid and/or myelomonocytic cells.

[0058] Depending upon the nature of the cells, they can be injected intotissue of the same or different cellular nature, they can be injectedinto the vascular system, where they may remain as mobile cells or hometo a particular site (i.e. the lesion). For the NO synthase gene, thenumber of cells which are administered will depend upon the nature ofthe cells, the level of production of the NO synthase, the desired levelof NO synthase in the host vascular system, at the lesion site, or thelike, whether the enhanced level of NO synthase is the only treatment oris used in conjunction with other components of the nitric oxidesynthetic pathway, and the like. Therefore, the particular number ofcells to be employed will be determined empirically in accordance withthe requirements of the particular patient.

[0059] These cells can also be introduced into the circulation by firstgrowing them on the surface of standard vascular graft material (i.e.Dacron or polytetrafluoroethylene grafts) or other synthetic vascularconduits or vascular bioprostheses.

[0060] Alternatively, one can use viral vectors, which are capable ofinfecting cells in vivo, such as adenovirus or retroviruses. In thiscase, the viral vector containing the NO synthase gene or other geneinvolved with the relaxation pathway will be administered directly tothe site of interest, where it will enter into a number of cells andbecome integrated into the cell genome. Thus, one can titer the desiredlevel of nitric oxide synthase which is secreted or other protein whichis expressed, by providing for one or more administrations of the virus,thus incrementally increasing the amount of synthase which is secretedor other protein which is produced.

[0061] Alternatively, one can use modified liposomes as a vehicle forendovascular administration of the vector containing the NO synthase orother gene. One such modified liposome technique involves mixing theliposomes with the vector containing NO synthase. Once the geneexpression construct-containing vector is incorporated into theliposome, the liposomes are coated with a protein (e.g. the viral coatprotein of the Hemagglutinating Virus of Japan) that increases theaffinity of the liposome for the vessel wall.

[0062] In some situations, the NO synthase or other gene in therelaxation pathway can be co-transfected with an artificial geneencoding an arginine and/or lysine rich polypeptide susceptible toproteolytic cleavage as an intracellular source of L-arginine and/orL-lysine. In other situations, the NO synthase or other gene can beco-transfected with the superoxide dismutase gene, so as to inhibit thedegradation of the nitric oxide.

[0063] In some situations, acute treatment may be involved, requiringone or a few administrations. This will normally be associated withcompounds which can act as nitric oxide precursors and are other thannaturally occurring compounds or are compounds which can be added withnaturally occurring compounds to enhance the rate of formation of nitricoxide. Thus, one can provide for acute administration of L-arginineand/or L-lysine and superoxide dismutase to increase the nitric oxideconcentration over a restricted period of time. These administrationscan be independent of or in conjunction with long term regimens.

[0064] The following examples are offered by way of illustration and notby way of limitation.

EXPERIMENTAL EXAMPLE 1 Anti-atherogenic Effects of Oral Arginine

[0065] Study design: (See, Cooke et al., 1992, supra) Male New Zealandwhite rabbits (n=49) were assigned to one of three treatment groups: 10were fed with normal rabbit chow for ten weeks (Control); 19 receivedchow enriched with 1% cholesterol (Chol); and 20 received a 1%cholesterol diet supplemented with 2.25% L-arginine hydrochloride in thedrinking water (Arg.). Following ten weeks of the dietary intervention,animals were lightly sedated and the central ear artery cannulated formeasurement of intra-arterial blood pressure, followed by collection ofblood samples for serum chemistries and plasma arginine. Subsequentlythe animals were sacrificed and the left main coronary artery and thethoracic aorta were harvested for studies of vascular reactivity andhistomorphometry. In some animals, blood was collected for studies ofplatelet and monocyte reactivity.

[0066] Results: Biochemical and physiological measurements.Hypercholesterolemic animals maintained on oral L-argininesupplementation (Arg) experienced a twofold elevation in plasma argininelevels in comparison to animals on a normal (Control) or 1% cholesterol(Chol) diet alone; the elevation in plasma arginine was maintainedthroughout the course of the study. Serum cholesterol measurements wereelevated equally in both groups receiving the 1% cholesterol diet [50±6vs. 1629±422 vs. 1852±356 mg/dl respectively for Control (=10), Chol(=13), and Arg (=14)]. There were no significant differences inhemodynamic measurements between groups.

[0067] Organ chamber studies of isolated vessels: For NO-independentresponses, there were no differences between the treatment groups inmaximal response or sensitivity to norepinephrine (a vasoconstrictor),or to nitroglycerin (a nitrovasodilator). By contrast, NO-dependentrelaxations were attenuated in vessels harvested fromhypercholesterolemic animals with a reduction in the maximal response toacetylcholine. In comparison, vessels harvested fromhypercholesterolemic animals receiving L-arginine supplementation hadimproved NO-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine. In a separate study,the effect of chronic arginine supplementation to improve NO-dependentrelaxation was confirmed in the hypercholesterolemic rabbit abdominalaorta.

[0068] Histomorphometric studies (planimetry of EVG-stained sections): Ablinded histomorphometric analysis revealed that medial cross-sectionalareas of thoracic aortae were not different between the groups. Bycontrast, the intimal cross-sectional area (i.e. amount ofatherosclerotic plaque) of vessels from hypercholesterolemic animalsreceiving L-arginine supplementation was reduced in comparison to thosefrom animals receiving cholesterol diet alone. In the Arg animals thereduction in the intimal lesion was most pronounced in the ascendingthoracic aorta and left main coronary artery. In the left main coronaryartery of hypercholesterolemic animals receiving arginine, essentiallyno atherosclerotic plaque developed.

[0069] Changes in lesion surface area: In a second series of studies,the extent of the thoracic aorta involved by lesions was examined. Inhypercholesterolemic rabbits receiving vehicle (n=6) or L-argininesupplement (n=6), thoracic aortae (from left subclavian artery todiaphragm) were harvested after ten weeks of treatment, bisectedlongitudinally, and stained with oil-red O. Vessels were photographedand vessel and lesion surface area determined by planimetry.Approximately 40% of the total surface area was covered with plaque inthoracic aortae from hypercholesterolemic animals receiving vehicle,whereas in thoracic aortae from arginine-treated hypercholesterolemicanimals, less than 10% of the surface area was covered with plaque (FIG.1).

[0070] To summarize, dietary arginine supplementation increases plasmaarginine levels, but does not alter serum cholesterol. This isassociated with significant improvement in NO-dependent vasodilation asjudged by bioassay. Finally, the improvement in NO-dependentvasodilation is associated with reduction in thickness and area of thelesions in vessels from hypercholesterolemic animals.

EXAMPLE 2 Inhibition of Platelet Aggregation by Oral L-arginine

[0071] The effect of L-arginine supplementation on platelet reactivityin rabbits that had normal chow (Control; n=6), a 1% cholesterol diet(Chol; n=5), or a 1% cholesterol diet supplemented with oral arginine(Arg; n=6), as detailed above, was examined. Arterial blood obtainedafter central ear artery cannulation was anticoagulated with 13 mMsodium citrate. Platelet-rich suspension was prepared by washingplatelets in calcium-free Krebs-Henseleit solution and resuspending themin Tyrode's solution with albumin. Aggregation was initiated by additionof adenosine diphosphate and monitored by standard nephelometrictechniques. In platelets derived from Chol animals, aggregation was notdifferent in rate or maximum extent in comparison to platelets fromControl animals (A, in FIG. 2). By contrast, aggregation of plateletsfrom Arg animals was reduced by 50% (B, in FIG. 2).

[0072] This reduction in platelet aggregation was associated with atwo-fold greater cGMP content in aggregated platelets fromarginine-treated animals. The reduction of platelet reactivity could bereversed by administration of N-methylarginine (10⁻⁴ M) in vitro (C, inFIG. 2). Therefore, the anti-platelet effect of chronic oral arginineadministration can be credited to an increased synthesis of endogenousNO. Furthermore, NO synthesis may be induced in both the platelets andthe endothelium.

EXAMPLE 3 Inhibition of Monocyte Adherence

[0073] A. Functional Binding Assay: To determine if oral argininesupplementation affects monocyte adherence, blood was collected fromrabbits fed normal chow (=6) a 1% cholesterol diet (=6), or a 1%cholesterol diet supplemented with L-arginine (=6), as described above.Mononuclear cells were purified from blood by Ficoll-paque densitygradient centrifugation. In these preliminary studies, adhesion wasexamined of blood leukocytes to a transformed endothelial cell line,bEnd3 (mouse brain-derived polyoma middle T antigen transformedendothelial cells). The Bend3 cells display the morphology ofendothelial cells, and like human endothelial cells are capable ofuptake of acetylated low-density lipoprotein and express adhesionmolecules in a cytokine-regulatable fashion. Cultured cells were grownto confluence in 0.5 cm² Lab-Tek chamber slides (MilesScientific) andtreated with control medium or with LPS (1 mg/ml) or TNFα (25 U/ml) for18 hours. Cultures were washed with fresh assay buffer, and low, medium,or high concentrations of leukocytes (0.75, 1.5, or 3×10⁵ cells/ml,respectively) were added per well. Following a 30-minute incubation on arocking platform at room temperature to allow binding, the slides wereinverted and immersed in buffer containing 2% (v/v) glutaraldehyde, suchthat non-adherent cells were lost and adherent cells were fixed to themonolayer. The adherent mononuclear cells were enumerated usingvideo-light microscopy.

[0074] Monocytes from hypercholesterolemic animals (Chol) exhibitedgreater adherence, consistent with observation by others, that monocytesfrom hypercholesterolemic cats or humans exhibit greater adherence tocultured endothelial cells. (deGruijter et al. (1991) Metabol. Clin.Exp. 40:1119-1121; Fan et al. (1991) Virchows Arch. B Cell Pathol.61:19-27).

[0075] In comparison to monocytes derived from vehicle-treatedhypercholesterolemic animals (Chol), those from arginine-treatedhypercholesterolemic animals (Arg) were much less adherent. This datashows that the arginine treatment inhibits adhesion of monocytes to theendothelium, which is the first observable event in atherogenesis.

EXAMPLE 4 Dietary L-arginine Inhibits the Enhanced Endothelial-MonocyteInteraction in Hypercholesterolemia

[0076] The earliest observable abnormality of the vessel wall inhypercholesterolemic animals is enhanced monocyte adherence to theendothelium, which occurs within one week of a high cholesterol diet.This event is thought to be mediated by the surface expression ofendothelial adhesion molecules and chemotactic proteins induced byhypercholesterolemia.

[0077] Another endothelial alteration that occurs in parallel is areduced activity of nitric oxide (i.e., NO), derived from metabolism ofL-arginine. As shown above chronic dietary supplementation withL-arginine restores NO-dependent vasodilatation in hypercholesterolemicrabbits, and that this improvement in NO activity is associated with astriking anti-atherogenic effect. In the following study was tested thehypothesis that the anti-atherogenic effect of dietary arginine wasmediated by endothelial derived NO which inhibits monocyte-endothelialcell interaction.

[0078] Methods. Animals. Male New Zealand White rabbits were pair fed,receiving one of the following dietary interventions for two weeks:normal rabbit chow (Cont, n=7); rabbit chow enriched with 1% cholesterol(Chol, n=7); or 1% cholesterol chow supplemented with 2.25% L-arginineHCl in the drinking water (Arg, n=7) ad libitum throughout the course ofthe study. In a second series of studies designed to further explore therole of endogenous NO on monocyte-endothelial cell interaction, anothergroup of animals were pair fed, receiving a normal rabbit dietsupplemented with either vehicle control (N=5) or the NO synthaseantagonist, nitro-L-arginine (L-NA, 10 mg/100 ml; n=5), administered inthe drinking water ad libitum throughout the course of the study (for anaverage daily dose of 13.5 mg/kg/day). In a third series of experimentsanimals received a normal diet and either vehicle (n=4), L-NA (13.5mg/kg/day; n=4), or L-NA and hydralazine (n=4) added to the drinkingwater for two weeks. At this dose, hydralazine (5 mg/kg/day) reversedthe increase in blood pressure induced by L-NA. One day before sacrifice(after 2 weeks of dietary intervention), animals were lightly sedatedand the central ear artery was cannulated for collection of bloodsamples.

[0079] Mononuclear cell culture and isolation. Murine monocytoid cells,WEHI 78/24 cells were grown in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Mediumsupplemented 10% fetal calf serum (vol/vol) and were kept in anatmosphere of 5% CO₂/95% air. Prior to binding studies, mononuclearcells were fluorescently labeled with TRITC (3 μg/ml). To confirm theresults using WEHI cells, in some studies binding studies were performedin parallel using rabbit mononuclear cells. Mononuclear cells wereisolated from fresh whole blood of Control rabbits before sacrifice.

[0080] Preparation of aortic endothelium and binding assay. After 2weeks of the dietary intervention, the thoracic aortae were removed andplaced in cold, oxygenated saline. A 15 mm segment of thoracic aorta wasexcised from a point immediately distal to the left subclavian artery tothe mid-thoracic aorta. The segments were then carefully openedlongitudinally and placed into culture dishes containing HBSS medium.Aortic strips were fixed to the culture dish using 25 gauge needles soas to expose the endothelial surface to the medium. Culture dishes werethen placed on a rocking platform at room temperature.

[0081] After 10 minutes the HBSS medium was replaced by binding mediumcontaining WEHI cells. The aortic strips were incubated with themononuclear cells for 30 minutes. The medium was then replaced by freshbinding medium without cells to remove non-adherent cells. The aorticsegments were then removed and placed on a glass slide, and adherentcells counted under epifluorescent microscopy from at least 30 sites oneach segment.

[0082] Results. Monocyte adhesion to rabbit aortic endothelium. Exposureof WEHI 78/24 cells to normal rabbit aortic endothelium results in aminimal cell binding in this ex vivo adhesion assay. However, when WEHIcells were incubated with aortic endothelium from hypercholesterolemicanimals (Chol; n=7), cell binding was enhanced 3-fold in comparison toCont (n=7). The increased cell binding manifested by aortic endotheliumof hypercholesterolemic animals was significantly attenuated byL-arginine supplementation (n=7). (FIG. 3) Similar results were achievedwhen adhesion assays were performed in parallel with mononuclear cellsthat were freshly isolated from Cont animals (n=2) in each of the threegroups.

[0083] Effect of chronic NO synthase inhibition on endothelialadhesiveness. To further investigate the role of endothelium-derived NOin modulating endothelial-monocyte interaction, an additional series ofbinding studies were performed using thoracic aorta from animals thatreceived regular chow supplemented with vehicle (n=5) or the NO synthaseinhibitor, L-NA (n=5). The adhesion of WEHI cells was markedly increasedwhen incubated with aortic endothelium from L-NA animals compared tocontrol endothelium. This effect could not be attributed to hypertensioncaused by L-NA since concomitant administration of hydralazinenormalized blood pressure but did not reverse the augmentation of cellbinding induced by L-NA.

[0084] In a separate series of studies it was confirmed that chronicadministration of L-NA (the inhibitor of NO synthase) significantlyinhibited generation and release of NO from the vessel wall (as measuredby chemiluminescence), compared to vessels from animals treated withvehicle or arginine.

[0085] The salient findings of this investigation are: 1) monocytebinding to the endothelium ex vivo is increased in vessels fromhypercholesterolemic animals; 2) this increase in monocyte binding isattenuated in hypercholesterolemic animals treated chronically with theNO precursor L-arginine; 3) monocyte binding to the endothelium isincreased in vessels from normocholesterolemic animals treated with theNO synthase antagonist L-nitro-arginine; and 4) this effect of NOsynthase antagonism was not reversed by administration of hydralazine indoses sufficient to normalize blood pressure. These findings areconsistent with the hypothesis that NO inhibits monocyte-endothelialcell interaction.

[0086] To conclude, an ex vivo model of monocyte binding has been usedto study the increase in endothelial adhesiveness induced byhypercholesterolemia. Endothelial adhesiveness is attenuated by oraladministration of the NO precursor L-arginine is shown. Conversely,inhibition of NO synthase activity by oral administration ofnitro-arginine strikingly increases endothelial affinity for monocytesex vivo. The data are consistent with NO being an endogenousanti-atherogenic molecule.

EXAMPLE 5 Oral Arginine Causes Regression of Atherosclerosis inHypercholesterolemic Rabbits

[0087] Our previous work demonstrated that oral arginine could preventthe development of plaque in hypercholesterolemic animals but it was notknown if pre-existing plaque could be affected by arginine treatment.This is clinically important if arginine is to be useful in thetreatment of pre-existing atherosclerosis in humans. Accordingly, NewZealand white rabbits (n=85) received normal chow or 0.5% cholesterolchow for 10 weeks. Subsequently, half of the hypercholesterolemicrabbits were given 2.25% (W/V) L-arginine in their drinking water.Thoracic aortae were harvested at weeks 10, 14, 18, or 23. Rings ofaorta were used to assess NO-dependent vasodilation to acetylcholine(ACh). Maximal relaxation to ACh in the hypercholesterolemic rabbitsreceiving vehicle (CHOL) became progressively attenuated from 53.4% (atweek 10) to 17.4% (by week 23). Planimetry of the luminal surface of theaortae from CHOL animals revealed a progressive increase in plaque areafrom 30.3% (at week 10) to 56.5% (by week 23) of the total surface ofthe thoracic aorta. By contrast, hypercholesterolemic animals receivingarginine (ARG) manifested improved endothelium-dependent relaxationassociated with a reduction of plaque area at 14 and 18 weeks. Lesionsurface area in all arginine treated hypercholesterolemic animals (weeks14-23) was significantly reduced in comparison to vehicle-treatedhypercholesterolemic animals (FIG. 4). The arginine-induced improvementin endothelium-dependent relaxation was associated with an increasedgeneration of vascular NO, and a reduced generation of vascularsuperoxide anion. By 23 weeks, 3 of 7 ARG animals had persistentimprovement in NO-dependent vasodilation and exhibited a furtherreduction of plaque area to 5.4%.

[0088] Conclusions: hypercholesterolemia induces a progressive loss ofNO-dependent vasodilation associated with progressive intimal lesionformation. Administration of L-arginine to animals with pre-existingintimal lesions augments vascular NO elaboration, reduces superoxideanion generation, and is associated with a reduction in plaque area.This is the first demonstration that restoration of NO activity caninduce regression of pre-existing intimal lesions, and provides evidencethat L-arginine therapy may be of potential clinical benefit.

EXAMPLE 6 Oral Arginine Administration Restores Vascular NO Activity andInhibits Myointimal Hyperplasia after Balloon Injury inHypercholesterolemic Rabbits

[0089] Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine if thealterations in vascular function and structure following balloonangioplasty in hypercholesterolemic rabbits could be inhibited byrestoration of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) activity.

[0090] Methods. Twenty-eight New Zealand white rabbits were randomizedinto one of three dietary groups and received either normal rabbit chow,0.5% cholesterol diet, or 0.5% cholesterol diet plus L-argininehydrochloride (2.25% W/V) in the drinking water. After six weeks ofdietary intervention, the left iliac artery of each animal was subjectedto a balloon angioplasty. Four weeks later, the iliac arteries wereharvested for vascular reactivity studies and immunohistochemistry.

[0091] Results. The bioassay studies indicated that endothelium-derivedNO activity was inhibited in hypercholesterolemic animals in comparisonto normocholesterolemic animals. The administration of argininepartially restored endothelium-derived NO activity. Balloon angioplastyinduced intimal thickening which was largely composed of vascular smoothmuscle cells and extracellular matrix. In the setting ofhypercholesterolemia, vascular injury induced an exuberant myointimallesion that was augmented by the accumulation of lipid-ladenmacrophages. Administration of L-arginine induced a quantitative as wellas qualitative change in the lesion. Dietary arginine reduced intimalthickening in the injured vessels of hypercholesterolemic animals, andsubstantially inhibited the accumulation of macrophages in the lesion(FIG. 5).

[0092] Conclusions. We report that the lesions induced by balloonangioplasty in hypercholesterolemic animals are markedly reduced by oraladministration of arginine. Moreover, we find that the nature of thelesion is altered, with a striking reduction in the percentage ofmacrophages comprising the lesion. Hypercholesterolemia induces anendothelial vasodilator dysfunction in the rabbit iliac artery that isreversible by chronic oral administration of arginine.

EXAMPLE 7

[0093] Nitric Oxide Regulates Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1

[0094] Our previous studies had established that oral arginineadministration could enhance vascular NO synthesis. This increase invascular NO synthesis was associated with inhibition of monocyteadherence and accumulation in the vessel wall (thereby reducing theprogression, and even inducing regression, of plaque). The questionremained: “How does vascular nitric oxide inhibit monocyte adherence andaccumulation in the vessel wall?”

[0095] Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) is a 76-amino acidchemokine thought to be the major chemotactic factor for monocytes(chemotactic factors are proteins that attract white blood cells). Wehypothesized that the anti-atherogenic effect of NO may be due in partto its inhibition MCP-1 expression.

[0096] Methods and Results. Smooth muscle cells (SMC) were isolated fromnormal rabbit aortae by explant method. Cells were then exposed tooxidized LDL (30 μg/ml) (which is known to induce vascular cells tosynthesize MCP-1). The expression of MCP-1 in SMC was associated with anincreased generation of superoxide anion by the SMC, and increasedactivity of the transcriptional protein NFκB. All of these effects ofoxidized LDL cholesterol were reduced by previous exposure of the SMC tothe NO-donor DETA-NONOate (100 μM) (p<0.05). To determine if NO exertedits effect at a transcriptional level, SMC and COS cells weretransfected with a 400 bp fragment of the MCP-1 promoter. Enhancedpromoter activity by oxLDL was inhibited by DETA-NO.

[0097] To investigate the role of endogenous NO in the regulation ofMCP-1 in vivo, NZW rabbits were fed normal chow, normal chow plusnitro-L-arginine (L-NA) (to inhibit vascular NO synthesis), highcholesterol diet (Chol), or high cholesterol diet supplemented withL-arginine (Arg) (to enhance NO synthesis). After two weeks, thoracicaortae were harvested and total RNA was isolated. Northern analysisdemonstrated increased expression of MCP-1 in Chol and L-NA aortae; thisexpression was decreased in aortae from Arg animals. These studiesindicate that the anti-atherogenic effect of NO may be mediated in partby its inhibition of MCP-1 expression. NO inhibits the generation ofsuperoxide anion by the vascular cells and thereby turns off anoxidant-responsive transcriptional pathway (i.e. NFκB-mediatedtranscription) activating MCP-1 expression.

EXAMPLE 8

[0098] Nitric Oxide Inhibits the Expression of an Endothelial AdhesionMolecule Known to be Involved in Atherosclerosis

[0099] Vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) is an endothelialadhesion molecule that binds monocytes. This molecule is expressed bythe endothelium of hypercholesterolemic animals, and is expressed byendothelial cells overlying plaque in animals and humans. This adhesionmolecule is believed to participate in monocyte adherence andaccumulation in the vessel wall during the development of plaque. Otherworkers have shown that the expression of this molecule is regulated byan oxidant-responsive transcriptional pathway mediated by thetranscriptional factor NFκB. Endothelial cells exposed to oxidized LDLcholesterol (or cytokines like TNF-α) begin to generate superoxideanion. Superoxide anion turns on oxidant-responsive transcriptionleading to the expression of VCAM-1 and MCP-1 (and probably other genesthat participate in atherosclerosis). Our data indicates that NOinhibits the generation of superoxide anion, thereby turning off theseoxidant-responsive transcriptional pathways.

[0100] Methods and Results: Confluent monolayers of human aorticendothelial cells (HAEC) were exposed to static or fluid flow conditionsfor 4 hours (fluid flow stimulates the production of endogenous nitricoxide). Medium was then replaced and cells were then incubated withnative LDL (50 μg/ml), oxidized LDL (30 μg/ml), or LPS (10 ng/ml)+TNF-α(10 U/ml) for an additional 4 hours. Functional binding assays utilizingTHP-1 monocytes were then performed. Superoxide production by HAECs wasmonitored by lucigenin chemiluminescence and expression of the adhesionmolecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 was quantitated by flow cytometry. Whereasnative LDL had little effect, incubation with either oxLDL or LPS/TNFsignificantly increased superoxide production, NF-κB activity, VCAM-1expression and endothelial adhesiveness for monocytes. Previous exposureto fluid flow inhibited endothelial adhesiveness for monocytes (FIG. 6)and the other sequelae of exposure to cytokines or oxidized lipoprotein.The effect of fluid flow was due to shear-induced release of nitricoxide since coincubation with L-nitro-arginine completely abolishedthese effects of flow. Furthermore, the NO donor PAPA-NONOate mimickedthe effects of flow.

[0101] Conclusions. Previous exposure to fluid flow decreased cytokineor lipoprotein-stimulated endothelial cell superoxide production, VCAM-1expression and monocyte binding; the effects of flow are due at least inpart to nitric oxide. NO participates in the regulation of theendothelial generation of superoxide anion and thereby inhibitsoxidant-responsive transcription of genes (i.e. VCAM-1 and MCP-1) thatare involved in atherogenesis.

EXAMPLE 9 Transfection of the Gene Encoding NO Synthase Increases NOGeneration and Inhibits Monocyte Adherence

[0102] The following experiment was done to determine if transfer of thegene encoding NO synthase (the enzyme that produces NO) could increasegeneration of nitric oxide and thereby inhibit monocyte adherence.Cultured endothelial cells (bEnd-3; a murine endothelial cell line) weretransfected with a plasmid construct encoding the NO synthase gene,using lipofectamine liposomal technique. Forty-eight hours later,generation of nitric oxide was measured using chemiluminescence. Nitricoxide generation was increased 2-fold in cells transfected with the NOsynthase construct (but not in cells transfected with a controlconstruct). In parallel, binding assays were performed using a murinemonocytoid cell line. The binding of monocytoid cells to the endothelialcells was reduced by 30% in those cells transfected with the NO synthaseconstruct.

[0103] Conclusion: endothelial cells transfected with a plasmidconstruct containing the NO synthase gene were able to elaborate morenitric oxide. The increased elaboration of nitric oxide was associatedwith an inhibition of monocyte binding to the endothelial cells.

EXAMPLE 10 Effect of NO Synthase Expression on Proliferation of VascularSmooth Muscle Cells

[0104] Cultured rat aortic vascular smooth muscle cells under confluentquiescent conditions were studied. An efficient viral coatprotein-mediated DNA transfer method was employed to transfect the cellswith the NO synthase gene driven by the β-actin promoter and CMVenhancer. This resulted in increased NO synthase activity (as measuredby the arginine-to-citrulline conversion assay) in comparison to controlvector transfected cells. Transfection of the NO synthase genecompletely abolished serum-stimulated DNA synthesis compared to controlvector transfection. These results indicated that increased expressionof NO synthase (associated with increased production of NO) inhibitsexcessive proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. This inhibitioncan be correlated with treatment of atherosclerosis and restenosis.

EXAMPLE 11 Gene Therapy Using NO Synthase cDNA Prevents Restenosis

[0105] The study above indicated that NO inhibits proliferation ofvascular smooth muscle cells. In atherogenesis and restenosis, excessiveproliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells contributes to lesionformation. Injury to the endothelium in atherosclerosis and aftercatheter interventions apparently reduces or removes the salutaryinfluence of NO. The following study shows delivery of the gene for NOsynthase to the vessel wall inhibits lesion formation.

[0106] A plasmid construct encoding the cDNA of endothelial-type NOsynthase (EC-NOS) was synthesized. A full length cDNA encoding forEC-NOS was inserted into the EcoRI site of the pUCcaggs expressionvector. Balloon angioplasties of the carotid artery in Sprague-Dawleyrats were performed and HVJ-liposomes with plasmids encoding EC-NOS cDNAinfused, or plasmids lacking EC-NOS cDNA (control vector) infused. After4 days to 2 weeks, the rats were sacrificed and the carotid arteriesharvested for: 1) histomorphometry; 2) measurement of DNA synthesis; and3) ex vivo determination of NO synthesis and release by bioassay and bychemiluminescence.

[0107] Results. Morphometric measurements 2 weeks after injury revealeda significant (68%) reduction of intimal lesion thickness in EC-NOStreated (Inj+NOS) in comparison to control vector treated (Inj+CV) oruntreated (Inj) injured vessels. (FIG. 7) Measurements of DNA synthesiswere performed four days after injury using bromodeoxyuridine. EC-NOStransfection significantly limited bromodeoxyuridine incorporation (by25%) in comparison to control vector treated or untreated injuredvessels. Vessel segments were studied ex vivo using organ chambertechnique to bioassay for NO release. Calcium ionophore increasesintracellular calcium and activates NO synthase to produce NO. Calciumionophore induced relaxations in injured carotid arteries transfectedwith control vector that were only 15% of uninjured vessels. Injuredarteries that had been transfected with EC-NOS relaxed to a much greaterdegree, approximately 50% of that observed in uninjured vessels. Directmeasurement of NO (by chemiluminescence) released into the mediumrevealed that NO released by injured tissues (transfected with thecontrol vector) was only 20% of that released by normal uninjuredtissues. By contrast, injured tissues transfected with EC-NOS releasedmore NO (about 75% of normal).

[0108] To conclude, balloon angioplasty of the rat carotid arteryremoves the endothelial source of NO, induces excessive vascular smoothmuscle DNA synthesis and proliferation, resulting in an intimal lesion(restenosis). Transfection of the vessel with EC-NOS at the time ofballoon injury partially restores NO production by the vessel, and thisis associated with reduced DNA synthesis and vascular smooth muscleproliferation, thereby reducing lesion formation. These results areconsistent with the conclusion that NO is an endogenous anti-atherogenicmolecule.

EXAMPLE 12 Local Application of L-arginine to the Vessel Wall InhibitsMyointimal Hyperplasia

[0109] The previous studies revealed that oral administration ofarginine could enhance vascular NO activity and inhibit lesion formationinduced by a high cholesterol diet and/or vascular injury (with balloonangioplasty). To determine if intraluminal application of arginine tothe vessel wall at the time of balloon angioplasty could inhibit lesionformation, the following study was performed. Rabbits (n=7) were fed a1% cholesterol diet. After one week, angioplasty of the iliac arterieswas performed. After angioplasty of one iliac artery, a local infusioncatheter was used to expose the injured area to a high concentration ofarginine (6 mM). The other iliac artery was subjected to balloonangioplasty, but not treated with a local infusion. After four weeks,the vessels were harvested, and segments of the arteries processed forhistomorphometry. Initial thickening in the arginine-treated vessels wassignificantly reduced (FIG. 8). This study indicates that the localintraluminal application of high doses of arginine can reduce myointimalhyperplasia after vascular injury.

EXAMPLE 13 Exclusion of the Effect of Enhanced Nitrogen or CaloricBalance as Causing the Observed Results

[0110] To exclude an effect of L-arginine on nitrogen or caloric balanceas the cause of these results, six animals received 1% cholesterol dietsupplemented by additional methionine to increase the dietary methioninesix-fold. At ten weeks animals were sacrificed for studies of plateletand vascular reactivity, and histomorphometry. Endothelium-dependentrelaxation, platelet aggregation and intimal thickness were notdifferent from those of animals fed 1% cholesterol diet alone. Theseresults reveal that another amino acid, methionine (which is not aprecursor of NO) does not mimic the effect of the amino acid L-arginine.Therefore it seems likely that the effect of L-arginine is due to itsmetabolism to nitric oxide, rather than some other effect of amino acidadministration (i.e. change in nitrogen or caloric balance).

EXAMPLE 14 L-lysine Enhances Vascular NO Activity and InhibitsAtherogenesis

[0111] L-lysine is a basic amino acid like L-arginine, but is not knownto be metabolized by NO synthase to NO. Therefore, the following resultswere unexpected. New Zealand white rabbits were fed a normal or highcholesterol chow (n=18). Half of the animals on the cholesterol dietalso received oral L-lysine. After ten weeks, the thoracic aortae wereharvested and bioassayed for vascular NO synthesis, and histomorphometryto assess lesion formation was performed as described above. Theadministration of L-lysine was just as effective as L-arginine toincrease vascular NO activity in the hypercholesterolemic animals asassessed by endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. (FIG. 9) Theimprovement in vascular NO activity was associated with a markedreduction in vascular lesion formation.

[0112] This study revealed the unexpected result that L-lysine canenhance vascular NO activity and inhibit atherosclerosis.

EXAMPLE 15 Oral L-arginine Normalizes Monocyte Adhesiveness inHypercholesterolemic Humans

[0113] Adherence of monocytes to the endothelium is the first observableevent in the development of atherosclerosis. We hypothesized thatchronic oral administration of L-arginine to hypercholesterolemic humanswould enhance the generation of endothelium-derived NO, and therebyinhibit the interaction of monocytes with the endothelium. In thisinvestigation we have developed a reproducible assay for the binding ofhuman monocytes to cultured endothelial cells, and we have examined theeffect of hypercholesterolemia and L-arginine treatment on thisinteraction.

[0114] The control subject population in this study included 12 normalvolunteers, (10 males and 2 females), with an average age of 37±2 yrs.Normalcy was determined by a careful history, physical examination, andlaboratory analysis to exclude individuals with hematologic, renal, orhepatic dysfunction or clinically evident atherosclerosis. There were 20patients (10 males and 10 females) with hypercholesterolemia as definedby a total plasma cholesterol greater than 240 mg/dl and a LDLcholesterol level greater than 160 mg/dl. These individuals had anaverage age of 51±2 yrs. None of the subjects were taking diuretics,vasoactive medications, antiplatelet or hypolipidemic medications. Thisstudy was approved by the Stanford University Administrative Panel onHuman Subjects in Medical Research and each subject gave writteninformed consent before entry into the study. Blood was drawn from eachsubject in the postabsorptive state.

[0115] We isolated human monocytes from citrated venous blood. The bloodwas centrifuged and the buffy coat removed and resuspended with HBSS.The suspension was then carefully layered onto a cushion of 1.068-dHistopaque, and centrifuged. After centrifugation, the monocytes wereaspirated.

[0116] We used the transformed endothelial cell (EC) line, bEnd3 toexamine monocyte-endothelial binding ex vivo. The bEnd3 cells expressendothelial adhesion molecules and bind monocytes in acytokine-inducible fashion with kinetics similar to those observed withhuman umbilical vein endothelium. Monocytes were added to the wellscontaining the endothelial monolayers to reach a final cell number of3×10⁶/ml. In some studies, monocytes were exposed in vitro for 30minutes to sodium nitroprusside (an NO donor) prior to the bindingassay.

[0117] The six-well plates were transferred to a rocking platform androcked for 30 minutes at room temperature. After 30 minutes, the cellsuspension was aspirated from each well and wells were then rinsed withbinding buffer to remove non-adherent monocytes. Videomicroscopiccounting of adherent cells was performed using a computer aided imageanalysis system.

[0118] Results. Oral administration of L-arginine (7 g daily for 2weeks) to hypercholesterolemic humans increased plasma arginine valuesby 60% (from 79±10 to 128±12 mM; n=7), whereas L-arginine values in theplacebo-treated (n=3) and normocholesterolemic (n=6) groups remainedunchanged. The administration of oral L-arginine had no effect on any ofthe biochemical or hematologic parameters and was well tolerated. OralL-arginine did not lower total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol. Twopatients dropped out of the study; one because he did not want to takethe pills, and one because of reactivation of oral herpes during thestudy.

[0119] The results of the adhesion assays were highly reproducible.Monocytes derived from hypercholesterolemic individuals demonstrated a50±8% increase in bound cells/hpf in comparison to cells from normalindividuals (p<0.0001). The degree of adhesiveness was correlated to theplasma levels of LDL cholesterol (R=0.7, n=33; p<0.0001; FIG. 10).

[0120] In an open-label study, 3 hypercholesterolemic individuals weretreated with oral L-arginine supplementation for 2 weeks. Argininetreatment resulted in a 38% decrease in monocyte adhesiveness.

[0121] To confirm this effect of L-arginine treatment and to control forany experimental bias, a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomizedstudy was performed. Ten hypercholesterolemic subjects were randomized(1:2) to placebo or L-arginine treatment; 6 normocholesterolemicindividuals were studied in parallel to control for variation over timein the binding assay. At baseline, the adhesion of monocytes from bothhypercholesterolemic groups was increased in comparison to thenormocholesterolemic individuals (p<0.001). After 2 weeks of L-arginineadministration, there was an absolute reduction of 53% in monocytebinding (n=7, p<0.005, baseline vs 2 weeks) (FIG. 11). By contrast,there was no significant change in the adhesiveness of monocytesisolated from hypercholesterolemic individuals treated with placebo. Twoweeks after discontinuation of the L-arginine treatment, theadhesiveness of the monocytes isolated from hypercholesterolemicindividuals had significantly increased compared to thenormocholesterolemic individuals (34±9% increase in bound cells/hpf;p<0.05), and was also significantly increased in comparison to thebinding obtained after 2 weeks of L-arginine therapy (an increase of30±9%, p<0.05). The adhesiveness of monocytes from placebo-treatedhypercholesterolemic individuals did not change significantly during thewashout period.

[0122] In some studies monocytes were exposed to sodium nitroprusside orvehicle control for 30 minutes in vitro. Pre-incubation of the cellsfrom hypercholesterolemic individuals with the NO donor sodiumnitroprusside (10⁻⁵ M) markedly reduced binding (164±9% vs 98±7% vehiclevs sodium nitroprusside; n=7, p<0.0005; values expressed as a percent ofthe normocholesterolemic control exposed to vehicle; FIG. 12).

[0123] To conclude, the salient findings of this investigation arethat: 1) Hypercholesterolemia enhances the adhesiveness of monocytes forendothelial cells, 2) oral arginine supplementation reverses theincrease in adhesiveness of monocytes from hypercholesterolemicindividuals, and 3) the effect of oral arginine is mimicked in vitro byexposure of the monocytes from hypercholesterolemic individuals tosodium nitroprusside, an NO donor.

EXAMPLE 16 Platelet Hyperaggregability in Hypercholesterolemic Humans:Reversal by Oral L-arginine

[0124] In this study we tested the hypothesis that chronic L-argininesupplementation would inhibit platelet reactivity inhypercholesterolemic humans. Venous blood was collected from normal (NC;n=11) and hypercholesterolemic (HC; n=22) volunteers for isolation ofplatelet-rich plasma and aggregometry. Half the HC group receivedL-arginine (7 g/d) for 2 weeks; aggregometry was performed usingcollagen (5 mg/ml) before and after two weeks of treatment.

[0125] Results: HC platelets were hyperaggregable. After two weeks ofL-arginine, the aggregability of HC platelets was reduced (FIG. 13).These studies are consistent with our previous observations in animalsthat oral administration of L-arginine inhibits platelet reactivity.

EXAMPLE 17 Intravenous Administration of L-arginine ImprovesEndothelium-dependent Vasodilation in Hypercholesterolemic Humans

[0126] Hyperlipoproteinemia impairs endothelium-dependent vasodilation,even before the development of atherosclerosis. We hypothesized thatadministration of L-arginine may increase synthesis of NO and therebyimprove endothelium-dependent vasodilation in hypercholesterolemia.Indeed, our earlier studies conducted in cholesterol-fed rabbits supportthis notion. The following data demonstrates that L-arginine augmentsendothelium-dependent vasodilation in forearm resistance vessels ofhypercholesterolemic humans.

[0127] The control subject population in this study included 11 normalvolunteers comprising (10 males and 1 female). Their ages ranged from 31to 49 and averaged 39±2 yr. There were 14 patients withhypercholesterolemia. Hypercholesterolemia was defined as a serum LDLcholesterol level greater than the 75th percentile adjusted for age andsex. These individuals included 11 males and 3 females whose ages rangedfrom 22 to 48 and averaged 38±2 years.

[0128] Under local anesthesia and sterile conditions, a polyethylenecatheter was inserted into a brachial artery of each subject fordetermination of blood pressure and for infusion of drugs. A separatepolyethylene catheter was inserted into the antecubital vein forinfusion of L-arginine. Bilateral forearm blood flow was determined byvenous occlusion strain gauge plethysmography, using calibratedmercury-in-silastic strain gauges, and expressed as ml/100 ml tissue permin.

[0129] To assess NO-dependent vasodilation, methacholine chloride (whichinduces the endothelium to release NO) was administered via the brachialartery. Forearm blood flow was measured during infusion of methacholinechloride at concentrations of 0.3, 3, and 10 μg/min each for 3 min.

[0130] After completion of the methacholine chloride infusions, allnormal subjects and 10 individuals with hypercholesterolemia were givenL-arginine intravenously over 30 minutes and then the methacholineinfusions were repeated. D-arginine, the enantiomer of L-arginine, isnot a precursor of NO. Thus, to ensure that any observed effects ofL-arginine were due to its contribution to the synthesis of NO and notjust secondary to its physiochemical properties, five individuals withhypercholesterolemia received D-arginine intravenously.

[0131] Results. Baseline blood pressure, heart rate, and forearm bloodflow did not differ between normal and hypercholesterolemic subjects.Intraarterial infusion of methacholine chloride caused a dose-dependentincrease in forearm blood flow. In the hypercholesterolemic subjects,however, cholinergic vasodilation was less than that of normal subjects(p<0.05). The maximal forearm blood flow response to methacholine innormal subjects is 19.0±1.9 ml/100 ml of tissue per min, and inhypercholesterolemic subjects, it was 13.7±1.7 ml/100 ml of tissue permin (p<0.05).

[0132] In the normal subjects, L-arginine did not potentiate thevasodilation that occurred during the administration of methacholinechloride. In the hypercholesterolemic subjects, however, the L-arginineinfusion augmented the vasodilation to methacholine chloride by 25%(p<0.05). There were no complications or side-effects of the L-arginineinfusions.

[0133] The important findings in this study are: (a)endothelium-dependent vasodilation (due to the release of NO) is reducedin forearm resistance vessels of hypercholesterolemic humans; and (b)intravenous administration of L-arginine improves endothelium-dependentvasodilation in these individuals. NO not only causes vasodilation, butit also inhibits platelet aggregation and suppresses monocyte adhesionin hypercholesterolemic humans.

EXAMPLE 18 Administration of Intravenous L-arginine Improves CoronaryEndothelial Function in Cardiac Transplant Recipients

[0134] A reduction in coronary NO-dependent vasodilation occurs incardiac transplant recipients and may represent an early marker for thedevelopment of graft atherosclerosis. Reduced NO-dependent vasodilationin response to acetylcholine is an indicator of endothelial dysfunctionand has been attributed to reduced synthesis or accelerated degradationof endothelium-derived nitric oxide. We hypothesized that endothelialdysfunction of epicardial coronary arteries at an early stage ofcoronary allograft atherosclerosis might be reversed by L-arginine. Thepresent study tested the hypothesis that administration of L-arginine,the precursor of endothelium-derived NO, improves endothelialvasodilator function of coronary conduit and resistance vessels.

[0135] Cardiac transplant recipients scheduled for elective annualcoronary angiography at Stanford University hospital were screened forpossible participation in the study. The study protocol was approved bythe Stanford University Committee on Human Subjects in Medical Research.All patients gave written informed consent. Eighteen patients who hadcardiac transplantation 1 to 13 years previously were studied.

[0136] Vasoactive medications were discontinued at least 12 hours beforethe study. After diagnostic angiography revealed no visually apparentcoronary stenosis, a guiding catheter was used to cannulate the leftmain coronary artery. An infusion catheter was then advanced over aDoppler flow velocity guide wire into a nonbranching segment of thecoronary artery for infusion of acetylcholine (which stimulates theendothelium to release NO). After baseline angiography was performed,increasing concentrations of acetylcholine were serially infused over 3minutes. Infusion of acetylcholine continued until the maximum dose(10⁻⁴ mol/L) was reached or until total coronary occlusion occurred.Then an intravenous infusion of L-arginine (30 g over 15 minutes) wasperformed. Thereafter, the intracoronary infusion of acetylcholine wasrepeated. Coronary angiography and Doppler flow velocity recording wasperformed at the end of the L-arginine infusion and after the infusionof each concentration of acetylcholine.

[0137] Results. In epicardial coronary arteries of these transplantrecipients, acetylcholine caused vasoconstriction. Epicardial coronaryvasoconstriction caused by acetylcholine was attenuated by infusion ofL-arginine (10⁻⁴ mol/L, −6.8% versus −2.8%; p<0.01). In coronaryresistance vessels, acetylcholine induced vasodilation, reflected byincreases in blood flow. The increase in coronary blood flow wassignificantly enhanced with L-arginine (p<0.002; FIG. 14). There were nocomplications or side-effects of the L-arginine infusion.

[0138] The coronary vasculature of cardiac transplant recipientsexhibits a generalized reduction of NO-dependent vasodilation.L-arginine improves endothelial-derived NO dependent vasodilation ofboth coronary microvasculature and epicardial coronary arteries.

[0139] It is evident from the above results, that by enhancing thenitric oxide levels, by means of nitric oxide precursor compounds orother compounds in the nitric oxide pathway, substantial benefits willensue to patients with vascular degenerative diseases. This treatmentwill restore normal vascular tone (preventing excessive vasoconstrictionand elevation of blood pressure; and will improve blood flow to theheart, brain, and other critical tissues thereby enhancing exercisetolerance and relieving symptoms such as angina or cerebral ischemia);and will diminish the formation of atherosclerotic plaque and restenosis(by inhibiting adhesion of monocytes and platelets, and by reducing theproliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells). Benefits may also ensueto normal individuals, because NO is critically involved inexercise-mediated vasodilation, an enhancement of NO synthesis couldimprove blood flow and exercise capacity even in normal individuals.

[0140] By virtue of administering to the host, based on a predeterminedregimen, or providing in the host a supply of a component in thesynthetic pathway for production of nitric oxide, so as to maintain amildly elevated level of nitric oxide in the host, particularly at thesite to be treated, the incidence of plaque formation can besubstantially diminished. This can be achieved in a variety of ways: byoral administration in accordance with a predetermined regimen ofvarious compounds associated with nitric oxide formation, e.g.L-arginine and/or L-lysine; by administration at the site, in apredetermined regimen of compounds which can produce nitric oxide,either directly or as a result of physiologic action of endogenouscompounds, e.g. enzymes; by employing combinations of compounds, whichby their action result in the production of nitric oxide; or the like.These individual administrations, can be done independently or inconjunction with a regimen of other compounds associated with theproduction of nitric oxide.

[0141] Alternatively, one may use genetic engineering to introduce agene associated with a component in the synthetic pathway for productionof nitric oxide, e.g. nitric oxide synthase, where the enhancedproduction of such compounds will have the effect of driving theequilibrium to an enhanced production of nitric oxide. Thus, the subjectinvention provides a plurality of pathways to enhance the synthesis oraction of nitric oxide, or reduce the degradation of nitric oxide,thereby increasing the effect of endogenous nitric oxide to prevent theformation of vascular lesions and to inhibit restenosis.

[0142] All publications and patent applications cited in thisspecification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individualpublication or patent application were specifically and individuallyindicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0143] Although the foregoing invention has been described in somedetail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity ofunderstanding, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill inthe art in light of the teachings of this invention that certain changesand modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spiritor scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of improving function and structure ofthe vascular system of a human host, said method comprising:administering orally to said host in accordance with a predeterminedregimen a prophylactic dose of a source of at least one of L-arginineand L-lysine as other than a natural food source to enhance the level ofendogenous NO in the vascular system to improve vascular function.
 2. Amethod according to claim 1, wherein said dose comprises at least 50% byweight of at least one of amino acid compounds L-arginine or L-lysine,polypeptides comprising at least about 40 mol % of at least one of saidamino acids, or physiologically acceptable salt thereof.
 3. A methodaccording to claim 2, wherein said polypeptide is an oligopeptide of atleast one of L-arginine and L-lysine.
 4. A method according to claim 2,wherein said dose comprises L-arginine.
 5. A method according to claim4, wherein L-arginine is administered in a daily amount in the range of1 to 25 g per day.
 6. A method according to claim 4, wherein L-arginineis administered at a dosage in the range of 0.5 to 5 g per dose.
 7. Amethod according to claim 2, wherein said dose comprises L-lysine.
 8. Amethod according to claim 7, wherein L-lysine is administered in a dailyamount in the range of 1 to 25 g per day.
 9. A method according to claim7, wherein L-lysine is administered at a dosage in the range of 0.5 to 5g per dose.
 10. A method according to claim 1, wherein said dosecomprises at least one of calcium, an amino acid absorption enhancingcompound, a cofactor for NO synthase activity, or an antioxidant in anamount sufficient to enhance the prophylactic effect of said L-arginineand L-lysine.
 11. A method according to any of claims 5, 6, 8 or 9,wherein said dose is administered as a tablet, capsule, or powder.
 12. Amethod according to claims 5, 6, 8 or 9, wherein said dosage isadministered as a prepared solid food, nutritional supplement or liquid.13. A method of preventing a reduction in vascular function of thevascular system of a human host as evidenced by reduced vasodilation,said method comprising: administering orally to said human host inaccordance with a predetermined regimen a prophylactic dosage of atleast one of L-arginine, L-lysine or physiologically acceptable saltthereof as other than a natural food source in a daily amount to providea plasma level in the range of 0.15 to 3 mM to enhance the level ofendogenous NO in the vascular system, whereby reduction in saidvasodilation is inhibited.
 14. A method according to claim 14, whereinsaid L-arginine, L-lysine or a physiologically acceptable salt thereofis present in a prepared food, nutritional supplement or liquid at fromabout 0.5-25 g.
 15. A method according to claim 13, wherein said dose ofL-arginine, L-lysine or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, is inthe range of 0.5-10 g in combination with at least one of calcium,folate, B₁₂ or B₆ in sufficient amount to enhance the effect of saidL-arginine, L-lysine or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof.
 16. Amethod according to claim 13, wherein said L-arginine, L-lysine or itsphysiologically acceptable salt is administered as a tablet, capsule, orpowder.
 17. A physiologically acceptable formulation comprising at leastone of L-arginine, L-lysine or its physiologically acceptable salt infrom about 0.5 to 5 g and at least one of calcium, folate, B₆, or B₁₂,in sufficient amount to enhance the effect of said L-arginine, L-lysineor its physiologically acceptable salt on enhancing the amount of NO ina human host.
 18. A physiologically acceptable formulation comprisingL-arginine or its physiologically acceptable salt.
 19. A physiologicallyacceptable formulation comprising L-lysine or its physiologicallyacceptable salt.
 20. A method for inhibiting vascular smooth muscle cellproliferation at a site of injury in the vascular system, said methodcomprising: administering at said site an effective amount of at leastone of L-arginine, L-lysine or its physiologically acceptable salt toenhance NO production; whereby vascular smooth muscle cell proliferationis inhibited.
 21. A method according to claim 20, wherein said injury isas a result of angioplasty.